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"I'm home."
Silence greeted him, his voice echoing off the walls. Mirio wasn't home.
He let the echoes seep into his skin, making him more aware of his fatigue. He couldn't sigh, not yet. He'd breathe later.
Limping his way to the couch, he lowered himself painfully, his left knee straightened so as to not dislodge the bandages. His back sank into the soft leather, and he tried to breathe. No use. Not yet.
The clock ticked, the room turned purple from amber, but dusk didn't bring Mirio with it.
He didn't feel hungry, the pain in his leg throbbed a dull rhythm. He needed to breathe. He'd hold out. He'd held it for longer than this, back when Mirio wasn't his . But he needed to let it out. He needed Mirio.
His eyelids drooped, his breathing getting shallower by the minute. His brain was vaguely aware that in three minutes he'd start hyperventilating, his hands would begin to tremble. But he couldn't bring himself to sit up straight. His hands lay limp beside him, his head dropped...
"-ki! Oi Tamaki!"
His brain stirred painfully. Mirio's voice, his touch, his arms... He could feel them, but opening his eyes seemed too much trouble.
"Welcome back..."
"Babe you scared me you know!" Mirio's arms wrapped firmly around him, his voice laced with concern. "C'mon, we're going to the bed!"
Tamaki tugged softly at his cape. Anyone else would have barely felt it, but not Mirio. He went still immediately.
"You wanna stay here?" He asked softly, nuzzling Tamaki's hair.
"Hmm." Tamaki gave a little nod, burying his face in Mirio's chest, taking in a deep breath, and slowly letting it out. Finally.
Mirio fell back in the couch, snuggling up to Tamaki, caressing his back. They sat in silence for some time, with Tamaki taking deep, ragged breaths. Gradually his breathing evened out.
"Feeling better?" Mirio kissed his ear.
A small shiver went down Tamaki's spine. He purred.
"Yeah."
Mirio smiled.
"I'm back."